Indigenous eyez entry by Thomas Thornton

Life aint fair and it never will be, the adversity built my character
brought me closer to me. My character prepared me for success,
it helped me to weather the storms, and wouldn't let me settle for
less. Life aint fair and it never will be. So why they still jealous,
envious and hatin' on me? I have been through the struggle, but
that part you can not see. Whishing I don't succed, hoping that Im
unhappy, life aint fair and it never will be. So every morning I pray,
Grandfather please help me through another day, Great Spirit I need
a blessing please throw one my way. Every night I pray Great Mystery
thank you for being with me, thank you for my health, strength, and
famILY. Pidamiya for the endurance you've given me to deal with....
Life aint fair....and it never will be.

The Dakota word for "sweatbath" is Inipi. The word is related to
the root word NI (to live) and the causative form Niya (to breath).
The two most common reasons for taking a sweatbath are for
Wicozanni (health) and for wiconi (life). Thus, a literal translation
of Inipi is "for thier life." The primary focus is upon the "life " of
the people.
To some the sweatlodge is like a womb. Here the participants
regain in a spiritual way a new life and strength. The sweatlodge
is shaped like the ribbed back of a mud turtle. Turtles are slow,
patient, and strong hearted. Even after they are dismembered, the
turtle's heart beats strongly. The mound reminds the participants
of the hill of the vision quest where one is close to the creator
and the spirits above. The pit inside reminds the participants of
the depths of the mysteries they are about to take part in.